A major injury update has now emerged on a Leeds United star, who manager Daniel Farke has previously described as “crucial”.
Leeds suffer several early injury setbacks
We are only six games into the new Premier League season, but Leeds have already suffered more than their fair share of injury setbacks, with Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu spending time on the sidelines, while Lucas Perri and Wilfried Gnonto remain unavailable.
Prior to the 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth, Farke confirmed that Gnonto was still experiencing issues with his calf, which ruled the winger out of contention, meaning Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson were given the nod on the wings.
Jack Harrison replaced Okafor in the second half, but failed to make any real impact, touching the ball just 11 times, having also been unable to register a single goal or assist in any of his five substitute appearances in the Premier League so far this season.
As such, Farke would’ve been hoping for some good news about Daniel James, who was widely reported to be making progress in his recovery from an injury, which has ruled the winger out of the last two Premier League matches.
However, Adam Pope has now dropped a major update on James’ fitness, and it wasn’t good news, with the reporter saying:
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The severity of the issue is yet to be confirmed by the club, however, Graham Smyth has heard from Leeds that the 27-year-old could be out for weeks not months and has now heard from the Whites who have shared an update.
James' injury could be big problem for Farke
Farke has previously made it clear just how important the Welshman is, describing his work-ethic as “crucial” after an impressive performance against Watford during the Whites’ promotion push last season.
The £75k-a-week winger hasn’t exactly made a flying start to the season, having failed to pick up a goal or an assist, but he played a major role in Leeds’ promotion back to the top flight, picking up 21 goal contributions in the Championship.
As such, James’ likely absence is a blow for Farke. Leeds will need their other forwards to step up, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was failed to score against Bournemouth last time out, with the former Everton striker missing three big chances prior to Eli Junior Kroupi’s late equaliser.
كشف صلاح محسن، مهاجم النادي المصري، تفاصيل مشادته مع حارس فريق الاتحاد الليبي، في مباراة الإياب بدور الـ 32، في منافسات بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية التي أقيمت بينهما مساء أمس الأحد.
المصري استطاع حسم التأهل إلى دور المجموعات من بطولة الكونفدرالية، بالفوز على الاتحاد الليبي بهدفين دون رد، في مجموع مباراتي الذهاب والإياب لدور الـ 32.
وقال محسن خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت” لبرنامج “ملعب أون: “تعرضت لكدمة في الحاجب، حارس الاتحاد الليبي قام بضربي أولًا ولم يلاحظ أحد، لم أفعل شيء ولكن قلت له لماذا تفعل ذلك، بدون سبب، فجأة ضربني بيده مرة واحدة، لذلك قمت بالرد عليه وضربه وتم طردي أنا لأن لقطته هي التي شاهدها الحكم”.
وتحدث صلاح محسن، عن فرصه في الانضمام إلى منتخب مصر الأول مع حسام حسن أو المنتخب المحلي مع حلمي طولان في المشارك في كأس العرب، حيث أوضح: “بالنسبة لموضوع المنتخب، كابتن حسام وكابتن حلمي أحترمهما جدًا، ولا توجد أي مشكلة معهما”.
وأضاف: “أنا لم أتمرن مع كابتن حسام إطلاقًا، ولا يحدث أي خلاف، وأحترم قرار كابتن حسام في أي ِشئ، في المعسكر الأخير، تواصل معي دكتور محمد أبو العلا، وكان من المفترض انضمامي ولكن الإصابة هي التي منعت ذلك”.
خاص | منتخب مصر الثاني يخوض وديتين قويتين قبل كأس العرب
وعن المنتخب الثاني، قال محسن: “لم يتواصل معي أحد، لدي طموحات أن أشارك في كأس الأمم القادم وكأس العالم، لعبت مع منتخب مصر في سن 24 وأتمنى بالتأكيد الانضمام إلى صفوف الفراعنة من جديد هذاهدفي”.
وعن عدم ثبات مستواه، أوضح محسن: “أنا منذ موسمين في المصري، كنت مكسر الدنيا، والموسم الحالي أقدم أداء جيدًا، الموضوع كله ثقة ولعب، أهم حاجة في كرة القدم اللعب والاستقرار والثقة”.
وأكمل: “أفضل فتراتي كانت فترة إنبي عند تصعيدي، وأيضًا في الأهلي مع موسيماني، كنت ألعب وأشارك، حاليًا أيضًا مع النادي المصري من أفضل فترات حياتي”.
Tottenham Hotspur have reshaped their squad this summer, and with Thomas Frank now at the helm, it feels like the Londoners can challenge toward the top end of the Premier League once again.
It’s been a fruitful start for the Danish coach, taken from Brentford after the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou. Not without blots on the copybook, the Lilywhites have marched steadily through the early stages of the campaign, third in the league with ten points from five fixtures and having beaten Villarreal in their opening match back in the Champions League.
The new recruits are blending in nicely, but not all are firing on all cylinders. Indeed, despite having spent the latter half of the 2024/25 term on loan at the club, Mathys Tel continues to leave plenty to be desired.
Mathys Tel's struggles at Spurs
It was not Frank’s decision to activate a £30m permanent option to reel Tel over to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for good, but Daniel Levy’s. Now, Levy has stepped down, and the original bid, led by Ange, has left Tel somewhat adrift, having lacked quality on the field.
Aged 20, it’s clear that confidence is a factor, having featured five times across all competitions, yet to score or assist, following an indifferent start to life in London last season, posting three goals and two assists across his five months on board.
His only starting berth in the Premier League so far came during the 3-0 romp over West Ham United, and Tel was handed a 5/10 match rating by football.london, who acknowledged his hard work but drew attention to the luckless performance at number nine.
No one can doubt the France U21 forward’s commitment, and having been hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson as being the “long-term Heung-min Son replacement”.
That’s all well and good, but Spurs actually have another rising winger in Mikey Moore, and there may not be room for both in Frank’s system.
Mikey Moore's Spurs future
Moore left Tottenham this summer, relocating to Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on a one-year loan deal.
Hailed as a “superstar” in the making by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Moore only turned 18 in August but has already featured 21 times for Tottenham’s senior side, bypassing the road into U21 territory after an incredible start to life with the U18s.
Mikey Moore – Club Stats so Far
Club/level
Apps
Goals (assists)
Tottenham U18
24
19 (13)
Tottenham
21
1 (2)
Rangers
7
0 (1)
Tottenham U21
5
2 (2)
Tottenham U19
5
0 (0)
Data via Transfermarkt
His development was deemed to be best served away from the Premier League, gaining invaluable experience in a prominent role at Rangers.
Moore has endured a somewhat difficult start to his time in Scotland, but this is hardly his fault. Most of the blame can be apportioned to Russell Martin and the dysfunctional first-team system at Rangers, who have started the season wretchedly.
But the boy’s talent cannot be disputed, having gone from strength to strength among the Tottenham seniors last season before his 18th birthday.
Given that Moore tends to occupy that left-sided flank, he and Tel might come to blows in a tussle for the ascendancy down the line, and the teenager’s pace and power and potency will soon be translated to the senior stage, especially if Rangers manage to click into gear in the coming months.
Given that Moore is two years Tel’s junior and already looking every bit the same calibre of player, albeit raw and unpolished, it might just be that both prospects cannot cohabit in Frank’s set-up, not in the long run.
If push comes to shove, Moore might just emerge on top.
Worth even more than Kudus: Spurs have struck gold on "phenomenal" talent
Tottenham Hotspur have demonstrated their excellent work in the transfer market in recent years.
Manchester United have been here before. And they are here again. Ruben Amorim was brought in from Sporting Lisbon to replace the floundering Erik ten Hag but his Red Devils side have sunk to a new low since his appointment.
Sunday’s chastening defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad kept United in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
It is, in fairness, just four matches into the new season, but with Chelsea travelling to Old Trafford next weekend and no European football on the cards, it’s crucial that an upswing is made and quickly.
Already dumped from the Carabao Cup by League Two’s Grimsby Town, United haven’t quite collapsed this term but they do need to right the wrongs, especially since Amorim’s win percentage is the lowest of any manager at the club in 80 years.
After finishing 15th last season and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, the summer transfer window felt crucial, but much has been left to be desired.
Man United's missed summer targets
Man United did address a series of issues in the summer transfer market, welcoming Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, arguably the Premier League’s two standout forwards beneath the Champions League zone last season.
However, INEOS failed to sign a centre-midfielder, and scrambled to replace Rasmus Hojlund at number nine, eventually landing on Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig, signing him for a £74m fee.
Sesko ghosted throughout United’s recent drubbing by Man City, and while the talent is undeniable, it’s clear there’s much work to be done.
Does Amorim have the time on his side to nurture the Slovenian’s skillset over the coming months, years?
The deadline day signing of goalkeeper Senne Lammens adds further cause for optimism, with Andre Onana now gone, but Altay Bayındır stood between the sticks against Pep Guardiola’s side, still trusted despite his wobbles, two years on from his £4m move from Feyenoord in Turkey.
Lammens and Sesko are both 23, and both first-teamers might bloom into superstars at Old Trafford.
However, Amorim needs a fast turnaround, and he may well be frustrated that his side didn’t manage to sign two of their biggest targets instead of the developing talents.
Amorim wanted his own Donnarumma and Haaland at United
Both of those targets, coincidentally, remain at Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez.
At the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Martinez bid farewell to Villa Park. Teary-eyed, the distinguished shot-stopper appeared to be gearing up for a move away, and Man United were heavily linked.
But it wasn’t to be, with United opting to settle for Bayindir and sign Lammens instead. Thus, the Argentina hero is staying in the Midlands.
No doubt, Amorim has got his hands on an exciting up-and-comer, but Martinez is “genuinely world-class”, as said by Sky Sports’ Dan Bardell, and has 198 Premier League appearances and a World Cup gold medal to his name.
The 32-year-old’s distribution is good, but it’s his shot-stopping and command in the box that draws the plaudits. With Gigi Donnarumma standing in the opposing box at the weekend – another United summer transfer target – it’s perhaps frustrating to some that an established keeper has not been welcomed to Amorim’s project.
Watkins might also have been a top-class addition. The 29-year-old isn’t on the level of the finest striker in the league, the brace-bagging Erling Haaland, but he’s certainly got the skills to lead the line with confidence at Man United, actually described as “one of the best 9s in the world” by Statman Dave.
The England striker was reportedly really keen on joining Man United this summer, but ultimately, that wasn’t the track INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe headed down.
One that got away
The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast’s One That Got Away series.
Still, a powerful runner with sharp intelligence and silky link-up play, Watkins could have been an invaluable addition to this United side, certainly bearing the experience and know-how to have made more of himself against City, whereas Sesko let the game pass him by.
Players like Haaland and Donnarumma make up the benchmark for a team like Amorim’s United, chasing something greater than they’ve achieved in recent years.
But it’s easier said than done, and there’s little to suggest that the signings made have what it takes to propel the club back into the ascendancy with the speed that is required.
Gigi Donnarumma and Erling Haaland
Man United’s strategy has been tailored toward a new emphasis on Prem-proven players, and though they haven’t clicked into gear yet, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have both shown flashes of brilliance so far this season; they look well-oiled and comfortable within the English game.
Sesko is a raw striker, and that’s why Jason Wilcox and co may be kicking themselves for failing to sign someone like Watkins. Older the Three Lions star may be, but he knows his game inside and out, and he’s a high-level goalscorer.
24/25
38
16 (8)
23/24
37
19 (13)
22/23
37
15 (6)
21/22
35
11 (2)
20/21
37
14 (5)
Viktor Gyokeres is the same, and did so well under Amorim’s wing at Sporting Lisbon. You can certainly see why the Portuguese tactician wanted to sign him this summer.
Ultimately, United have to cope with the options at their disposal, and while the likes of Lammens and Sesko have plenty of potential yet untapped, there’s no denying that this was not a season that could afford a transitional period.
Instant results are still expected, and Martinez and Watkins, both so accomplished in the Premier League, might have proved the icing on the cake to achieve that.
Man Utd have two players to blame for Sesko's nightmare first start
Benjamin Sesko was an isolated figure during his first start for Manchester United.
Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans stretch beyond potential deals for Man City’s Savinho and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, as pointed out by reliable Lilywhites insider Paul O’Keefe.
Just two weeks remain of this summer window, and chairman Daniel Levy is running out of time to back new manager Thomas Frank with some much-needed additions.
The Premier League season is already underway, and Frank will now have an even greater idea of how his side need to strengthen in the next fortnight after their opener against Burnley on Saturday.
Right now, Spurs are hot on the heels of both Eze and Savinho.
Tottenham are in talks to sign the attacking duo in separate deals (Fabrizio Romano), as Levy attempts to compensate for the loss of Son Heung-min to LAFC and James Maddison to long-term injury.
While there is some way to go when it comes to signing Savinho, with Pep Guardiola playing down reports of an imminent move away for the injured winger, Eze is believed to be very keen on a move to N17.
The 27-year-old has informed Palace of his desire to join Frank at Tottenham, giving his green-light to the project, so it appears all there is left to do is find a full agreement with the Eagles.
That’ll be no easy feat, though, considering chairman Steve Parish is a notoriously difficult negotiator and won’t fancy losing the star playmaker after what has already been a very difficult summer at Selhurst Park.
The south Londoners are demanding around £68 million – the value of his now-expired release clause – and reports suggest Tottenham want to go far lower (Ben Jacobs).
Amidst their negotiations for Eze and Savinho, it is believed that Tottenham also want another centre-back.
This is backed up by Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, who explained their pursuit of a defender in a Q&A earlier this week.
As per O’Keefe, Frank and Spurs know exactly who they want to bolster their backline.
Tottenham identify Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie as top defender target
The insider reports that Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie is that man.
Piero Hincapie in action for Bayer Leverkusen
The Ecuador international played 32 Bundesliga matches as a mainstay under Xabi Alonso last season, but he could join the Spaniard out of Leverkusen’s exit door amid interest from Spurs and Chelsea.
Frank has green-lit a potential Tottenham move for Hincapie, with the club identifying him as their “ideal” left centre-back target.
Other reports indicate that Leverkusen value him at around £60 million, and some South American media sources suggest that Chelsea are ready to bid for Hincapie, so Tottenham will need to get moving here.
As Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes look to move on from their rejected bid for Alexander Isak, Liverpool have now reportedly agreed personal terms with another superstar.
Following the bombshell news that Isak wants to leave Newcastle and has been training away from the club in an attempt to push through a summer exit, Liverpool’s offer seemed inevitable. As soon as they had encouragement, reports always suggested that Hughes and Edwards would pursue the Swede’s signature.
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That’s not to say the deal was ever going to be routine, however, and the Anfield chiefs found that out the hard way. After seeing an opening offer worth around £110m rejected by Newcastle, Liverpool, for now at least, have ended their pursuit of Isak.
With one month until the transfer window slams shut, it currently looks like Isak will remain a Newcastle player. But plans could change if their reported £70m bid to sign Benjamin Sesko is successful.
Of course, if those at St James’ Park welcome the calibre of player able to replace Isak, which Sesko certainly is, then their stance on selling their star man may loosen slightly – allowing Liverpool to come in with their next offer.
Imagine him & Gakpo: £120k-p/w "wizard" is now "pushing to join" Liverpool
Liverpool are ready to replace Luis Diaz in the summer transfer market.
2
By
Angus Sinclair
Aug 1, 2025
That said, given that Manchester United are also lurking in the race to sign the RB Leipzig star, there is still a long way to go before the dominoes can fall into place for Isak to become Liverpool’s biggest signing yet.
Until the saga unravels, meanwhile, the Premier League champions have been left turning towards alternative blockbuster targets and have reportedly agreed personal terms with Luis Diaz’s potential replacement.
Liverpool agree personal terms with Rodrygo
According to ESPN Brasil, as relayed by The Standard, Liverpool have now agreed personal terms with Rodrygo in what is a major step towards signing the Real Madrid winger after they sent super agent Pini Zahavi to get the deal done.
Earning £11m-a-year at Real Madrid, the Brazilian’s contract is unlikely to come cheap, but his talent would more than make up for any hefty costs involved in his arrival.
Liverpool’s highest-earners with Rodrygo
Salary per-year
Mohamed Salah
£21m
Virgil van Dijk
£18m
Rodrygo
£11m
Hugo Ekitike
£10m
Florian Wirtz
£10m
To sign a Galactico, Liverpool will need to add their third-highest earner and someone who will earn more than recent arrivals Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo
For that price, however, they would be getting a player who has starred on the biggest stages and earned impressive praise from the likes of Carlo Ancelotti, who told reporters: “He is a special striker, he can play in all positions. He is fast, smart and effective one on one. The learning is over. He is a Real Madrid player for all purposes.”
Roy Keane has claimed that he has "no sympathy" for Nottingham Forest managers after Evangelos Marinakis hired ex-Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou to replace Nuno Espirito Santo. A breakdown in relations with the club owner led to Nuno's exit from the City Ground on Tuesday morning and hours later, Postecoglou's appointment was confirmed.
Keane has "no sympathy" for Forest managers
Gave his verdict on Marinakis
Postecoglou replaces Nuno as new boss
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Nuno also had a falling out with Forest's global head of football, Edu, who was acquired by Marinakis from Arsenal in the summer to oversee football operations across his multi-club ownership group. The ex-Wolves and Tottenham manager replaced Steve Cooper at City Ground in December 2023 and won 28 of his 73 games at the helm. He secured survival at the end of his first season before claiming a seventh-place finish in the Premier League and European qualification last term.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Manchester United legend and pundit Roy Keane, who also took in a spell at Forest in his playing days, has shared his verdict on the club's managerial saga, claiming he has "no sympathy" for the coaches who work at the City Ground under an owner like Marinakis.
WHAT KEANE SAID
Speaking on , Keane said: "Not surprised. Why should we be surprised at what happens at Nottingham Forest? I think we know what the owner is like there, no surprises, and I have no sympathy for any manager that goes to Nottingham Forest. You're going to be under pressure with the owner there, so I certainly wasn't surprised when they moved him [Nuno] on. It's tough."
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WHAT NEXT FOR POSTECOGLOU?
Postecoglou's first game in charge of Forest will be a difficult trip to north London as they face Arsenal on Saturday at Emirates Stadium.
Sri Lanka won their last T20I outing against New Zealand in July 2023 while Bangladesh would also want a win to keep their hopes alive
Sruthi Ravindranath11-Oct-2024
Amelia Kerr has been one of the standout players for New Zealand•ICC via Getty Images
New Zealand vs Sri LankaSharjah, 2pm local timeNew Zealand squad: Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Isabella Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea TahuhuSri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilshari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sachini Nisansala, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana, Sugandika KumariTournament form guide: After beating India comprehensively in their opener, New Zealand were handed a thrashing by defending champions Australia, crumbling to 88 all out in the 149 chase. Sri Lanka have lost all three matches they’ve played so far in the tournament, with the loss against India putting them out of semi-final contention.News brief: Sri Lanka broke a 12-match losing streak against New Zealand by posting their first-ever T20I win against the opponents last year. In the third T20I in Colombo in July 2023, Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama helped crush New Zealand by 10 wickets to seal a historic win. While Sri Lanka will be looking for a consolation win, New Zealand will want to win big to strengthen their semi-final chances and boost their net run rate.Player to watch:Legspinning-allrounder Amelia Kerr is one of the most reliable players for New Zealand. Against Australia, she waged a lone fight, taking four wickets and top-scoring with 29 in the chase. She took three wickets in five balls, with Australian batters struggling to read her googlies on the Sharjah pitch. She is once again expected to be key for New Zealand at the same venue against the shaky Sri Lankan batting order.Laura Wolvaardt is the leading run-scorer of the tournament so far•ICC/Getty Images
Bangladesh vs South AfricaDubai, 6pm local timeBangladesh squad: Nigar Sultana (capt, wk), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha BiswasSouth Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe TryonTournament form guide: Bangladesh are coming into this game on the back of two losses – against England and West Indies – and are fourth on the table with just one win. South Africa, meanwhile, bounced back with a big win against Scotland after their seven-wicket loss to England.News brief: There are no injury concerns for South Africa. For Bangladesh though, captain Nigar Sultana seemed to be limping during West Indies’ run chase in Sharjah. She seemed to have hurt her knee and received the physio’s attention but continued to keep wickets. While Bangladesh are all but out of the tournament, South Africa’s NRR-boosting win has kept them well in contention for the semi-final.Bangladesh won the first-ever T20I they played against South Africa back in 2012 but went on to lose the next 10 matches against them. They broke the streak in December 2023, but the last T20I these two teams played ended with South Africa winning by eight wickets.Player to watch: Captain Laura Wolvaardt’s strong starts have been one of the biggest positives for South Africa. She is currently the top run-scorer of the tournament, with 141 runs in three matches. With South Africa searching for a big win against Scotland to improve their NRR, she scored 47 off 27 in the chase, hitting five fours and a six. She was excellent in the powerplay in the loss against England as well.
Ten points was the margin between Arsenal and Liverpool in 2024/25. With the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, the Reds are looking to make that gap even bigger next term.
That’s certainly a real expectation too, particularly as the Gunners are yet to sign their elusive striker.
Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko. Take your pick as far as Mikel Arteta is concerned. Either would significantly strengthen the squad at the Emirates Stadium, take them closer to Liverpool who will be gunning for glory again.
Who Arsenal pick will likely come down to price, but they are two different players we’re talking about here.
Gyokeres is the readymade goal machine. The Swede was the most in-form striker in Europe last season, scoring 54 goals in 52 games. Sesko, on the other hand, boasts immense potential but did only find the net on 21 occasions for RB Leipzig last term.
So, as Andrea Berta goes about improving Arteta’s forward line, he’s also moved to strengthen the middle of the park with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard set to arrive.
Why Arsenal are signing Zubimendi and Norgaard
Principally, these deals are happening because the Gunners are set to lose both Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
The former has already departed the club and is now at Flamengo, who are currently at the Club World Cup in America.
Partey’s future has been a little less certain. He wants to stay. Arsenal want him to stay. Still, the latest reports have suggested that an agreement hasn’t been found and he now looks likely to depart at the end of the month.
Thus, the arrivals of Zubimendi and Norgaard are key. The Spaniard is undoubtedly the more exciting addition here.
Set to join for just over £50m, the midfielder will be coming in from Real Sociedad with a fine reputation for being one of the finest tempo setters in the game.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has hailed the 26-year-old as “one of the best midfielders in the world” while European football expert, Sid Lowe, has noted that he “is just about as good a deep-lying midfielder there is in Europe, apart from maybe Rodri.”
Norgaard doesn’t possess the same sort of calibre but as far as Jorginho replacements go, he’ll be a steady pair of hands.
Set to arrive in a £10m deal, Arsenal will be bringing in a Premier League captain who won’t play very many minutes for a bargain fee. Even if he doesn’t make a huge impact on the field, his experience off it will undoubtedly be key.
Goals
0.16
0.13
Assists
0.13
0.22
Goal-creating actions
0.42
0.32
Pass success rate
82%
83%
Progressive passes
4.92
6.11
Passes into final 3rd
4.38
4.36
Tackles
2.52
1.69
Succesful take-ons
0.22
0.42
Confirming the arrival of new signings is always an exciting time for fans, but has a more important deal now been announced?
Another exciting deal for Arsenal has been announced
While this summer is very much about strengthening the squad, whether it be through Zubimendi or the arrivals of a Sesko or Gyokeres, the Gunners also need to keep their best players at the club.
In 2027, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba’s deals are all set to expire, and while the threat of Saka leaving is minuscule, there is a real threat that Saliba could depart.
Arsenal's WilliamSalibaapplauds fans after the match
Real Madrid have been courting him and we know how that story usually ends. Thus, getting new deals sorted for those three players will be a key part of Berta’s strategy.
He’s already tied down Gabriel to a new deal and the next announcement has seen Myles Lewis-Skelly put pen to paper.
Myles Lewis-Skelly for Arsenal
The club’s official channels revealed on Thursday lunchtime that he’d signed a new long-term deal in N5 and the youngster was absolutely delighted.
Why is this more important than Zubimendi? Well, several reasons, the most prominent of which is that Lewis-Skelly is one of the best young players in world football.
Just 18, the full-back/midfielder has burst onto the scene in a remarkable way. A year ago, he was yet to make his senior debut for the club. Now, he ended the campaign as an England international, notably scoring on his debut, and as a PFA Young Player of the Year nominee.
It was a hell of a campaign for the teenager who, despite a few issues with discipline at the start, became a major force on the left-hand side of Arsenal’s defence.
He had the cojones to mimic Erling Haaland’s celebration after scoring against Manchester City and sparkled during the club’s run to the Champions League semi-finals.
“I’m sorry, is Lewis-Skelly really 18?”, commented Rio Ferdinand during Arsenal’s quarter-final victory over Real Madrid. “His date of birth is right, isn’t it? He looks so calm and so cool in and out of possession. Before the game he was on a call, just talking and chilling. He is special.”
He also earned acclaim from Gary Neville, who stated: “He’s gone in there and has made it look like he’s always been there. That’s the biggest compliment you can give a young player.” Fine praise indeed.
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What makes Lewis-Skelly stand out so much is his temperament. As Neville says, he looks like he’s been playing at the senior level for years.
Not just boasting an elite mentality, his technical attributes aren’t bad either. His composure is remarkable and his ability to evade the press and draw fouls is first-class.
In 2024/25, no Arsenal player won more duels (6) per 90 minutes than the teen. No Arsenal player ended the campaign with a better success rate in duels than his 69.7%.
He’s a special talent and even finished the season as the most fouled player in this Arsenal side. Not many players can get near him.
1. Myles Lewis-Skelly
47
2. Leandro Trossard
46
3. Bukayo Saka
39
4. Thomas Partey
31
5. Jurrien Timber
29
6. Kai Havertz
23
What makes his rise even more incredible is that he’s a midfielder by trade. Coming up through the youth ranks, the English talent played in the centre of the pitch but he’s been crafted into an inverted full-back.
From that position, he’s not just become one of the best young players in England, but one of the best young players in Europe’s top five leagues.
Considering Madrid have also been sniffing around him, getting a new deal is absolutely vital. His future is immense; probably even brighter than Zubimendi’s.
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This summer presents a new era at Tottenham Hotspur, after Thomas Frank was appointed as their new boss after agreeing a £10m compensation package with Brentford.
The Dane takes the reins from Ange Postecoglou after the Aussie was handed his marching orders by owner Daniel Levy despite ending their 17-year wait for a trophy in the Europa League final.
It presents a fresh opportunity for the club to take the next step in their ambitions of mounting a charge for the Premier League title, with Frank the next man to try his luck in North London.
However, if he is to be a success in the role, he will need new additions this summer to help him in his quest, with quality and depth needed in key areas of the pitch.
Numerous players have already emerged on their radar in recent weeks, but additions can only be made if Levy hands Frank the funds needed to change their fortunes on the pitch.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Bryan Mbeumo is a player who’s been firmly on their radar since the Dane’s appointment, potentially having a reunion with his former boss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.
However, if they’re going to complete a deal for the 25-year-old attacker, they will have to fork out a pretty penny for his signature, with the Bees demanding £70m to part ways with him this window.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates scoring their first goal
The hierarchy already appear to be making moves elsewhere, with work being done to secure a deal for Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.
The report states that Spurs have sent scouts to watch the Colombian international at the Club World Cup, starring in his first game against Porto – completing more dribbles than any player on the pitch.
It also claims that the 25-year-old has a £85m release clause within his current contract, with the hierarchy confident he can transfer his skillset across to England and emulate one player’s success.
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ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025 Why Rios could become Frank’s own version of Dembele
Not many supporters would’ve envisaged the impact Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembélé would have at Tottenham after his £15m switch from Fulham back in 2012.
Former Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele.
However, such a deal would be one of the best deals in the club’s history, going on to make 250 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring on ten occasions – but it was his talent in other areas that caught the eye.
He became a monster in and out of possession, often effortlessly gliding past the opposition, and being a commanding presence that was virtually impossible to dispossess.
Dembélé also thrived out of possession, handing the club a perfect box-to-box option, with numerous former players labelling him as the best player they’ve ever featured alongside.
However, after his subsequent departure to join Guangzhou City back in January 2019, the side has often lacked that presence, something which Rios could offer Frank in North London next season.
When comparing his stats from this season to those of Dembélé at Spurs, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – highlighting why he could be the man to fill the void.
Rios, who’s been labelled “one of the best midfielders” by one Brazilian analyst, has registered more goals and assists, along with more passes into the opposition box per 90, showcasing the threat he poses when driving with the ball.
How Rios in 24/25 compares to Dembélé in 17/18
Statistics (per 90)
Rios
Dembélé
Games played
24
28
Goals & assists
7
0
Passes into opposition box
1.9
0.2
Tackles won
1.9
1.2
% of tackles won
46%
24%
Take-ons completed
3.8
3.8
Fouls won
1.8
1.3
Aerials won
56%
39%
Stats via FBref
Described as a “ball-carrying machine” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, he also matched Dembélé for take-ons completed, whilst drawing more fouls, offering a constant nuisance to opposition players, something which Frank’s side need in the middle of the mark.
The Colombian’s talents don’t end there, winning more aerials and tackles per 90, handing the side a defensive presence that has often been missing in North London, with Rios the perfect option for the Lilywhites.
Whilst he has an £85m release clause in his current deal, it’s likely the 25-year-old will be available for a significantly lower fee, with Spurs needing to pursue a move for his signature.
If he can get anywhere near the levels produced by the Belgian at the club, he would be another sensational addition and one that could fire the club up the table in 2025/26.
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